January 2, 2017

The New Year 

By Joe

New Year’s Day is always a day of family and reflection for me. My family always comes together for a big New Year’s meal, with all the traditional dishes. We had our black-eyed peas for good luck, our collard or turnip greens for wealth, and our hog jowls for wisdom. In addition, we had ham, chicken and dumplings, hash brown casserole, macaroni and cheese, cracklin cornbread, and an array of desserts. We had lots of food, and all of it was good.

The day is more than just food and family though. It is also a day of reflection on the year past and the year to come. The year 2016 was not a stellar year for me. Yes, I have a good job in which I am happy, but I still wish were closer to home. It was also a year largely filled with fighting depression and anxiety. When I had gotten my job in 2015, I was elated, but then I suffered the loss of a dear friend and my world was shattered. The depression and anxiety gripped me like nothing else, but I saw my doctor and he prescribed a new antidepressant regimen and sent me to a neurologist for my headaches. Both helped tremendously once my medications were regulated correctly. By the end of 2016, I was doing so much better. I have cultivated new friendships and gotten a new kitten that is such a joy.

The year 2017 looks to be a good year. I think my blog suffered some in 2016, but I hope to get it back to where is was in 2015 during the coming year. I also vow to be healthier and lose some weight. It won’t be easy, but it’s something I have to do. What are your “resolutions” for the new year? I hope each of you have a wonderful 2017.

About Joe

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I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
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